Transcribed by Mary Ann Kaylor

Page 1752

ZACHARIAS, ANTONIO de FRATES (deceased) - Although never rising to distinction, either financially or politically, no man stood higher in public esteem because of his sterling honesty and kindness of heart, than Antonio De Frates Zacharias, now deceased, who was born 1819 on the Island of Madeira, and died in Springfield, September 22, 1893. He was a son of Antonio Zacharias. Growing up in his native land, Antonio De Frates Zacharias tilled a farm which he owned, but religious persecution divided the family, and his mother and a sister fled to South America, while he and his family came to the United States, landing in New York City in 1860. After two months spent there with friends, he came to Springfield, securing work in the Wabash Railroad machine shop and remaining there for a quarter of a century. For some years prior to his death he lived retired. In politics he was a Republican, but never connected himself with any religious denomination. His death occurred at his residence on the corner of Thirteenth and Jefferson streets, but he is buried in Jacksonville. In addition to his residence, he owned two other residences on Thirteenth Street, now in possession of his widow.

Mr. Zacharias married Mary De Amil, born on the Island of Madeira, a daughter of Francis De Amil. No one who has not passed through the dangers and hardships attendant upon religious troubles can appreciate what a haven the United States is to those oppressed, or how eagerly they flock here, hoping to find the right to live and work as their consciences dictate.